02.03.10 – Parenting This Generation: Mark Your Calendar (FEB 17th)

Hello Parents,

MFUGE deposit (50 dollars per student) is due February 17th. We will go to the University of the Cumberlands from July 5 through July 9. The student count will be about 45 to 55, and the adults will number about 10 to 15. Total cost per student is 250 dollars; however, a small discount is available to families that are sending more than one child to camp. If you don’t pay a deposit by February 17th, your student may not be able to attend this year.

MORE INFORMATION REGARDING MFUGE… www.lifeway.com/fuge/

Also remember:

- This Sunday: special youth choir practice from 3pm to 4pm

- Also this Sunday: Super Bowl Party at the Petty’s for 7th through 12th at 5pm

- Youth Choir Fund Raiser / Valentine’s Dinner this Wednesday at 6pm (see Roger this Sunday for more information)

- And departure date for Ski Retreat is Friday Feb 12th (meet at the church at noon)

Thank you,

jeff ford

1.27.10 – Parenting This Generation: Devotionals & Journals

Hello Parents,

I just wanted to encourage you to pick up a helpful student devotional book the next time you are at a bookstore and maybe a journal too. Then for no reason at all (except that you love your kids), give it to your child and encourage them to be a student of God’s Word.

That’s All For This Week,
jeff

PS… I have several in my office (currently / temporarily on the 3rd floor due to work on our 1st floor offices), if you would like a more specific suggestion.

1.20.10 – Parenting This Generation / Upcoming MFUGE 2010 Parents and Adults Attending Summer Camp

Hello Parents of FBC Youth,

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We are in pretty good shape in regards to our 2010 MFUGE summer camp adult chaperone to student camper ratio. Remember the 50 dollar per student deposit for MFUGE ‘10 is February 17th.

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Sometimes I have difficulty putting together enough adults to partner with FBC Youth for events like summer camp. There have been a number of occasions when I have had enourmous student response in regards to a retreat, day-trip, or “out-of-town” multiple day adventure; however, I stress greatly and scramble around at the last minute enlisting chaperones for these such FBC youth events. These problems I face have become more and more rare the longer I have served on staff; although, I will still hit a snag in my plans every now and then.

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MFUGE requires 1 adult to every 5 students. We will likely take 45 to 55 students to our 2010 MFUGE site: Kentucky. This means I need to recruit between 9 to 11 adults for our trip. Currently I have discussed the 2010 MFUGE trip with the following adults: Thea F., Roger W., Danny & Beth M., Mike & Tammy S., Steve C., Kendall S., Jeff & Dana Mc., Tim P., Didi G., Melanie R., Hannah M., Buffy T., and Kim P. MFUGE also requires a ratio that matches up the correct number of male adults with male students and female adults with female students.  

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Some are 100% committed to go. Others are currently hoping to go, but they are not 100% sure. The dates for our Williamsburg, KY / University of the Cumberlands MFUGE are July 5 through 9.

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Please pray for those listed above. Also pray about the possibility of going yourself to MFUGE, Our April Spring Weekend Mission Trip to Huntsville, or Our “At-Home Mission Week”. I know that MFUGE youth camp and other missions endeavors can be as much of a blessing to adults as they are to teenagers.

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If you can’t go to MFUGE, but you would like to assist with a Spring (not Spring Break, but Spring nonetheless) Missions Weekend in April instead, then please let me know. The dates for the Spring Weekend are April 16-18. We will be partnering with FBC Huntsville, Vestavia Hills BC, FBC Auburn, and several other Alabama churches. The following website gives more details about the weekend: www.marchmissionmadness.org/Alabama.html

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During Spring Break (March 15-19) the FBC Youth will have an “at-home” missions week. A recent FBC Fort Payne member survey revealed that 98% of those surveyed believe that direct church-led mission efforts in our community should receive high priority. I have set a personal / professional goal of helping to involve more students in local mission projects in 2010. I pray that you would also be involved with FBC Youth in the leadership of local mission projects in 2010.

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God has provided me with some of the most supportive youth parents anywhere on earth. You each are special to me, and I appreciate you greatly. I’ll be  praying that you have a great weekend. Don’t forget to live, laugh, and love with the love of God as you seek to raise up “This Generation.”

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Respectfully,

jeff

THIS GENERATION – January 2010

FBC YOUTH & THE SUPER BOWL

WHEN? FEBRUARY 7^th

GAME & PARTY BEGIN @ 5PM

 

WHERE? ANNA & ABBY’S HOUSE

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

JUST YOURSELF

 

WHAT ABOUT HALFTIME?

BIBLE STUDY / DEVOTIONAL

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SPECIAL YOUTH DRAMA PRESENTATION:

A big thanks goes out to Youth Drama Team & Leaders for sharing a wonderful holiday drama last month. We can’t wait to see your next act.

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MFUGE DEPOSIT DUE DATE

The 50 dollar per student MFUGE deposit is due on
Wednesday February 17^th. We will be going to MFUGE’s The University of the Cumberlands in Willamsburg, KY. Total cost per student is $250. Special discount to families with more than one student. DATES: July 5-9

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<>< PARENTS <><

For the past couple of months the fbc youth office has been sending parents of fbc youth a weekly resource via email. If your parent is not receiving this helpful note, then please drop us an email at: jeff@fbcfp.org and just indicate in your message that you would like to be added to the “Parenting This Generation” email list. We also set up a group & archive on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=139146714057&ref=ts

 

And @ Jeff’s blog:

http://jeffandthea.wordpress.com/category/the-parents/

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SPRING MISSION TRIP WEEKEND

On April, 16-18 our students will partner with FBC Huntsville, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, FBC Auburn, and Pelham’s Cross Creek Baptist Church. A few other churches may also be involved in this project (a total of 200 to 600 people). Visit http://www.marchmissionmadness.org/Alabama.html to learn more about this MFUGE style Spring Missions Weekend. There is also a great online video promo at the abovementioned website. Please begin praying now about the possibility of joining with your brothers and sisters in Christ in service through construction, painting, and a variety of other mission projects. I may invite someone for the “mission madness” staff to come sometime soon to share about their experience with these unique events.

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AT-HOME MISSION PROJECTS DURING SPRING BREAK

March 15-19 will be “At-Home” Missions Week. We hope that this week will be a great launching pad for many more local mission projects during 2010. See Jeff for more information. Possible projects: children’s ministry, games & rec,, painting, & construction. 

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1.13.10 – Parenting This Generation / Sacred Parenting

Hello Parents,

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I’ve discovered another resource that may be helpful as you seek to live, laugh, and love as a parent of this generation… Book and Devotional Guide Companion: SACRED PARENTING  / How Raising Children Shapes the Soul / By Gary Thomas (best selling author of Sacred Marriage)

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In the Grip of God’s Amazing Grace,

jeff

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Additional FBC Youth Reminders:

- Super Bowl Party on February 7th @ Anna & Abby Petty’s House

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- February 17th is the deadline for your 50 dollar MFUGE deposit / Total cost is 250 per student (if you have more than one child going, it’s 250 for 1st student and 230 for each additional sibling)

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April 16-18 Our students will partner with FBC Huntsville, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, FBC Auburn, and Pelham’s Cross Creek Baptist Church. A few other churches may also be involved in this project (a total of 200 to 600 people). Visit http://www.marchmissionmadness.org/Alabama.html to learn more about this MFUGE style Spring Missions Weekend. 

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- March 15-19 will be “At-Home” Missions Week. We hope that this week will be a great lunching pad for many more local mission project throughout 2010.

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- If you would be willing to speak to the students (5-10 minutes) on a Wednesday night about how you came to be a part of FBC Fort Payne, we would love to have you as a guest speaker (this is one way that FBC Youth are focusing on our 125 year anniversary celebration).

12.16.09 – Parenting this Generation: Christmas Reminders

Hello and Merry Christmas to Youth Parents,

Here are 3 quick reminders regarding:

1. Our Youth Christmas Party (December 16: tonight)
2. Youth Christmas Drama @ AM Worship Service (December 27)

&

1. Our 2010 Ski Trip (deposit due soon after Christmas ’09)

 

1. YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY (Tonight)

We will celebrate Christmas a little differently this year @ our FBC Youth Party:

LOCATION: FBC YOUTH ROOM

DATE: WEDNESDAY NIGHT, DEC. 16^TH (@ 6PM)

WHAT TO BRING: NO “DIRTY SANTA” THIS YEAR, BUT BRING CANNED GOODS FOR OUR FOOD BANK INSTEAD.

WHAT ELSE IS DIFFERENT? WE WILL PROVIDE PLENTY OF SNACKS AND SWEET TREATS. YOU CAN BRING A BOX OR BAG OF YOUR FAVORITE SNACK TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE. THIS IS OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED

COME JOIN THE FUN!!!!

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2. SPECIAL YOUTH DRAMA PRESENTATION:

Be sure and attend our morning worship service on December 27@ 10:30am… our youth drama team will be sharing a wonderful presentation.

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3. WINTER RETREAT 2010:

2 Days Lift Tickets & Rentals, 3 Nights Lodging, Transportation, & Food Cost: 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches, & 3 Breakfasts… cost will be 300 dollars per person… remember that a mandatory 50 dollar deposit is due on January 3. A limited number of spots are available for this trip, so pay your deposit soon to ensure your inclusion on this trip.

The trip from Fort Payne, AL to Flat Top, WV is 400 miles… we plan to drive 6 1/2 hours plus we will be stopping once for fast-food on the way there. Several have expressed interest, but we need deposits paid soon to move forward with this trip.

We will be skiing at Winterplace Ski Resort www.winterplace.com (same as last year) . Last year the trip was 400 dollars per person. Our housing will be less expensive this year… so total cost for the ’10 Retreat is 300 per person.

DATES FOR THE TRIP: FEBRUARY 12-15 OF 2010.  Along with the 50 dollar deposit on January 3, we will also need you to complete a couple of release forms by January 3 as well.

Here’s wishing you and yours have a wonderful Christmas together and a Happy New Year!

Thank you,

Jeff Ford

Youth minister

Fbc Fort Payne

12.09.09 – Parenting This Generation – Reminder about Online Devos

This is also what I sent you last week…

http://www.followingthestar.org/

I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback regarding this site. Check it out if you haven’t already

Have a blessed week,
jeff

THIS GENERATION – December 2009

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY

We will celebrate Christmas a little differently this year @ our FBC Youth Party:

LOCATION: FBC YOUTH ROOM

DATE: WEDNESDAY NIGHT, DEC. 16^TH (@ 6PM)

WHAT TO BRING: NO “DIRTY SANTA” THIS YEAR, BUT BRING CANNED GOODS FOR OUR FOOD BANK INSTEAD.

WHAT ELSE IS DIFFERENT? WE WILL PROVIDE PLENTY OF SNACKS AND SWEET TREATS. YOU CAN BRING A BOX OR BAG OF YOUR FAVORITE SNACK TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE. THIS IS OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED

AFTER WE ALL GET A BIT TO EAT, WE WILL PARTICIPATE IN A TEAM “SCAVENGER HUNT” GAME. COME JOIN THE FUN!!!!

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<>< PARENTS <><

For the past couple of months the fbc youth office has been sending parents of fbc youth a weekly resource via email. If your parent is not receiving this helpful note, then please drop us an email at: jeff@fbcfp.org and just indicate in your message that you would like to be added to the “Parenting This Generation” email list. We also set up a group & archive on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=139146714057&ref=ts

And @ Jeff and Thea’s “adventures” blog:

http://jeffandthea.wordpress.com/category/the-parents/

.

SPECIAL YOUTH DRAMA PRESENTATION:

Be sure and attend our morning worship service on December 27@ 10:30am… our youth drama team will be sharing a wonderful presentation.

.

WINTER RETREAT 2010

2 Days Lift Tickets & Rentals, 3 Nights Lodging, Transportation, & Food Cost: 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches, & 3 Breakfasts… cost will be 300 dollars per person… remember that a mandatory 50 dollar deposit is due on January 3. A limited number of spots are available for this trip, so pay your deposit soon to ensure your inclusion on this trip.

The trip from Fort Payne, AL to Flat Top, WV is 400 miles… we plan to drive 6 1/2 hours plus we will be stopping once for fast-food on the way there. Several have expressed interest, but we need deposits paid soon to move forward with this trip.

We will be skiing at Winterplace Ski Resort www.winterplace.com (same as last year) . Last year the trip was 400 dollars per person. Our housing will be less expensive this year… so total cost for the ’10 Retreat is 300 per person.

DATES FOR THE TRIP: FEBRUARY 12-15 OF 2010.  Along with the 50 dollar deposit on January 3, we will also need you to complete a couple of release forms by January 3 as well.

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This Christmas…

Here’s an online devotional resource that I thought each of you would gain some encouragement and blessing from: http://www.followingthestar.org/

Just a few more weeks, and we will be celebrating Christmas day. Let us prepare our hearts for reflection & anticipation this Christmas.

12.02.09 Parenting This Generation – Online Devos for ‘09 Advent

Hello,

Here’s a great (online) daily devotional for the family and your 2009 advent season… http://www.followingthestar.org/

Have a blessed week,
jeff

Parenting This Generation – 11.25.09 – alcohol and teens

Hello Youth Parents,

This may be of interest to you…
http://www.bingetoblackout.com/

this is just another interesting resource regarding parenting, alcohol, and teens…
i actually have a copy if you are interested in borrowing it.

many of you know of my collegiate battles with drugs and alcohol. i would love to assist your family by sharing my story if you or your child is hurting due to addiction.

praying for you and yours,
jeff

ps… happy thanksgiving!!!